Some Social Media Observations Via Princess Bride
A few days ago, my pal Jason Konopinski and I were talking via “The Twitter” when we suddenly started swapping quotes from the Princess Bride. Jason suggested that I write a blog post encapsulating some of the wisdom we were hitting upon in that conversation, so here is my best shot. I hope you enjoy!
1. “I do not think this word means what you think it means.”
When Vizzini, Fezzik, and Inigo Montoya are stealing away Buttercup, Inigo Montoya keeps noticing that the “Man in black” is following them, to which Vizzini responds repeatedly, “inconceivable.” Vizzini seems like a wise man, but Inigo is just not quite sure that this word is being used 100% properly.
I don’t want to be a jerk, but using this quote online could come in handy.
2. “Yes, you’re very smart. Shut up.”
Little Fred Savage keeps telling his grandfather that he has a pretty good grip on the plotline. At one point he even uses those dreaded words, “See, I told you!” His grandfather says the above quote in response.
Again, I think this could come in handy at times. Sometimes people say things as if these observations are the most profound thoughts in the world. Smacking them down in a firm yet funny way isn’t a crime. Right?
3. “Do you have six fingers on your right hand?” “Do you start all conversations this way?”
Sometimes, especially via Twitter direct messages, I get really weird introductory comments or questions. People sort of act like they’ve known me for a million years, yet in trying to give that sense they actually show how really far off they are. I think I’m going to start responding with, “Do you start all conversations this way?”
4. “Life is pain, princess. Anyone who says otherwise is trying to sell something.”
Now, sometimes people who say otherwise are just trying to cheer you up, but I always crinkle my nose at least a little bit when someone tries to tell me that there are unicorns flying around outside. Now you can get flying unicorns too, for just $150 a unicorn!
5. Buttercup, after kissing the king’s cheek: “Because you have always been so kind to me, and I won’t be seeing you again since I’m killing myself once we reach the honeymoon suite.” The King: “Won’t that be nice. She kissed me, ha, ha, ha!”
Have you ever encountered people who don’t *really* seem to read an entire blog post but have a response they really want to leave for you? Or maybe you say something to someone and they respond with something that seems entirely about them and maybe entirely out of place? Yeah. That.
6. Prince Humperdink: “That may be the first time anyone has DARED to insult me.” Westley: “It won’t be the last.”
I have noticed over my tenure in the online world that the people who feel they are most above reproach are actually the ones who tend to get their butts handed to them the most, whether it’s on Twitter or via the dreaded bloggy call-out. Prince Humperdink certainly thinks he is too good for this world, and Westley most certainly does not let him feel that way for long.
7. “He’s only *mostly* dead.”
This of course is a quote from Mad Max, and I think I’m going to use this retort throughout 2012 whenever someone notes that email, print, television, mobile, the interwebz, or anything else is dead. It’s only *mostly* dead. Which means, of course, that it’s partially living.
8. “REOS’s? They don’t exist.”
Westley tries to comfort Buttercup regarding her fear of rodents of extraordinary size by convincing her that they don’t really exist. Of course, he has already spotted the REOS that is stalking them, so his effort to comfort or help Buttercup actually results in her being blind-sided by the attack. Similarly, I feel sometimes that “experts” in the social media world guffaw at potential dangers in order to comfort their friends or clients when in reality the best move is to prepare them for the fight.
9. “People in masks cannot be trusted.”
Do people wear masks in the online world? Well, an avatar is a mask, is it not? It looks the same no matter what is going on in your real life. Does that mean you should avoid trusting anyone? Of course not. Does it mean you should automatically consider everyone you talk to your 100% best bosom buddy ever? Eh…maybe not. I’d think about it, anyway.
10. “Never go against a Sicilian when death is on the line!”
Despite all of the rumors to the contrary, there really are experts who happen to use social media platforms to communicate. I highly advise you not to try to convince these folks that you know more than them, most especially if you really don’t. It really can make you look bad, and it can also expose the fact that you actually know a lot less than what you had presented. Now that’s a real bummer!
These are the quotes I thought of. What would you add?
Image credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/megadem/1339257745/ via Creative Commons
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I think that from now on, instead of signing off each day from The Twitter with a link to a poem, I will henceforth say, “I do not envy you the headache you will have when you awake. But for now, rest well and dream of large women.”
@mckra1g I’ll pay you $1 every time you do that. Fer rillio 🙂
I once blogged about the Inigo Montoya method for building a blog community. It was and still is an exceptionally popular post. Every time I see it I yell, “inconceivable!”
I would add “Get used to disappointment.” It is better than the “Why are you smiling because I am not left handed” or maybe not.
What a great movie in general. You can throw out Princess Bride quotes on Twitter and be guaranteed responses every time.
@TheJackB Oh yes!! I am quite familiar with that post. It’s stellar!! 🙂
“Stop this rhyming now, I mean it!” “Anybody want a peanut?”
Sometimes, people will say things on social media that they know will annoy us. Sometimes this is all in good fun, and sometimes these people are ‘trolls’ and should be ignored. Unfortunately, it’s very hard to tell the difference sometimes.
@RoyAtkinson Nice one, Roy! I wanted to use that one but couldn’t figure out how to work it in 🙂
“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” To which the Count replies, “Stop saying that!” One word: trolls! May you never experience one ever.
@BrennerMichael See, there’s another one. Couldn’t figure out how to work that one in. Well done!
Ha! And who says that we can’t learn from the classics? I love your application on the six fingered man quote–I get some pretty weird intros as well. And I’m with Michael below. “hello my name is Inigo Montoya…” Best quote ever!
@dougricesmbiz True that! On all accounts 🙂
You forgot the best line, “As you wish!” which is what most “experts” eventually say to clients. It is like pushing a blind man in front of a bus. http://www.dogwalkblog.com/pushing-a-blind-man-in-front-of-a-bus.html Aw, crap.. did I just do #5 on your blog?
@dogwalkblog Well done, Roofroof. Well done 🙂
I love “I do not think it means what you think it means” I feel this all the time. Especially when people are telling me about their problems with little dutch shoes, clogs. :))
Vizzini: Am I going MAD, or did the word “think” escape your lips?
This is what the little irate man in your head is screaming while you are trying to keep a straight face.
@martinamcgowan
@Doc_1 Aye, that’s a great follow-up 🙂 Well done, you 🙂
AWESOME!
@InnkeeperVA Thanks 🙂
“You rush a miracle man, you get rotten miracles.”
…because there is no way to rush good social media. It takes time, patience, and a little magic.
😉
LOVE the post!!!!
@suddenlyjamie OH that’s a good one!!! 🙂
@margieclayman TKS for the inspiration! 🙂
“He’s only MOSTLY dead.” Now that’s worth repeating!
@ShakirahDawud Indeed! 🙂
This movie is on my list of top 10 best ever. All of yours are great, plus those added below. You actually made me spit out coffee laughing when I got to #3 Do you start all conversations this way? Yes the online world is as strange as a 6 fingered bad guy.
@NicoleFende Glad to hear it, Neecola. It does seem weird sometimes though, doesn’t it? It’s like people follow you on Twitter and then come down with momentary Tourette’s.
“Bye kids! Have fun storming the Castle!” “Do you think they’ll make it?” “It would take a miracle” We have to remember to have some fun! If we do have some fun, and work with each other instead of against each other, we to can pull off something pretty darned impressive.
Who wants to go storm a Castle?
@NancyD68 i’ll storm a caste with you Nancy Dee. Again, great call. I wanted to use that but couldn’t think of a great way to incorporate it. I should have vulcan mind-melded with you first 🙂
So much fun, Margie! Your love of movies endears you to me even more.
When I was head of television movies at ABC int he 80’s I made my staff find a connection to “The Wizard of Oz” for every pitch/idea they had for a movie. It was my standard with so many truisms, including the classic “There’s no place like home.”
Using movies is a GREAT way to help people grasp good ideas.
@BruceSallan Aw, thanks Bruce.
I agree, music and movie are great ways to communicate, especially if people are familiar with said music and movies.
Glad you liked the post!
Excellent post, highlighted to me on Twitter as I am a big Princess Bride fan.
Regarding social media, I think Inigo has a valuable insight with the following quote:
“Let me explain…. No, there is too much. Let me sum up…”
We have all seen it – and perhaps been guilty of it ourselves – an interesting thought or tweet that turns into a series of tweets or a tortuous Facebook status. Perhaps for explaining we should use blogs or message boards instead and stick to summing up on Twitter & Facebook – we can always use these platforms to point others to where our lengthier explanations are, should they choose to read them. This would keep things cleaner and more practical.